Ancient Vijayanagara inscription discovered at Penukonda in Andhra Pradesh

An ancient stone inscription found at the Sri Naga Lingeshwara Swamy temple atop Penukonda hill in Sri Sathya Sai district has shed light on a 662-year-old chapter of Vijayanagara history, revealing that the shrine was commissioned by the then Prime Minister of the empire Anantharasu Chikka Odeyar.

Penukonda, which served as second capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, houses the temple on its hilltop. Historian MyNaa Swamy said the epigraph dates back to the reign of Emperor Bukka Raya I (1356-77 CE).

Addressing the media here on Monday (September 21, 2026), he said members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Penukonda chapter, found the dilapidated shrine while climbing the hill through rugged northern and western approaches. They spotted an inscription carved into a large boulder within the premises and sent photographs for decipherment.